New York State’s Native American Mascot Ban Faces Resistance Amid Funding Threats and Controversy

As the clock ticks down to the June 2025 deadline, New York State’s mandate to ban Indigenous-themed school mascots has drawn sharp criticism, with several Long Island communities openly defying the directive. In April 2023, the state’s Board of Regents voted to implement Part 123 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, which prohibits the use of Native American mascots, names, and logos in public schools. Districts that fail to comply by June 2025 risk losing significant state funding—an outcome that many local school boards are unwilling to accept.

The Massapequa Chiefs and Wantagh Warriors, both located on Long Island, have publicly opposed the mandate, making it clear they do not intend to change their team names or imagery. Other schools across the state, such as Mohonasen High School (the Mohonasen Warriors), John Jay High School (the John Jay Patriots), Manhasset Secondary School (the Manhasset Indians), and Sewanhaka High School (the Sewanhaka Indians), have also been impacted by the mandate. Some schools have already changed their mascot names, while others are still evaluating their options. In contrast, the city of Port Jervis (the Port Jervis Raiders) has not yet taken an official position and remains in limbo as it considers its next steps. As Port Jervis weighs its options, local elected officials like Senator James Skoufis, and Assembly Minority Whip Karl Brabenec, are playing a key role in the ongoing discussion. They co-wrote a letter urging the state to reconsider the mandate.

“It’s outrageous that New York State is trying to force Port Jervis to change its ‘Raiders’ mascot—a name that hasn’t had any Native American imagery attached to it for over two decades,” said Brabenec. “This mandate, passed in 2024, is a perfect example of government overreach, catering to those who are offended by everything and satisfied by nothing. Meanwhile, the real issues facing New Yorkers—sky-high taxes driving families out of state, a migrant crisis overwhelming our communities, and a completely mismanaged MTA—are being ignored.”

In the letter co-signed by Brabenec, a Republican, and Skoufis, a Democrat, the lawmakers express their concerns regarding the New York State Education Department’s (SED) policy on changing school team names that are unaffiliated with Indigenous cultures. While acknowledging the importance of fostering respectful and inclusive educational environments, the lawmakers emphasize the local pride tied to longstanding team names. The letter reflects feedback from numerous constituents and school leaders who believe SED’s ongoing efforts to change these names are excessive.

The lawmakers respectfully requested that the state reconsider its stance and allow schools to keep their team names, provided all visual references to Indigenous people and culture have been removed. They also expressed a desire to continue the conversation to find solutions that balance cultural sensitivity with local traditions and pride.

Additionally, the lawmakers argue that the mandate undermines local control and imposes unnecessary financial burdens on communities already facing economic challenges.

Port Jervis, which has maintained its “Raiders” mascot for years without any connection to Native American imagery, finds itself caught in a difficult position. The district has expressed concern about the potential loss of over $60 million in state aid if they refuse to comply with the mandate. Director of Academic Services & Communications Andrew Marotta highlighted in a Facebook post that such a loss could lead to a significant increase in local taxes.

“We’re in a holding pattern right now, hoping to retain our proud name and school heritage,” Marotta said on Facebook. While the community has not officially joined the fight against the mandate, it is clear they are deeply concerned about the consequences of losing their mascot and potentially their funding.

As the June 2025 deadline approaches, Port Jervis, along with other districts in New York State, faces a tough decision. The state’s regulation, which prohibits the use of Indigenous-themed symbols unless there is consent from recognized Indigenous tribes, has drawn sharp criticism for being overly restrictive and out of touch with the communities it affects.

While some districts, like Massapequa and Wantagh, are pushing back, Port Jervis has yet to make its move. However, the issue has garnered significant attention from local leaders and state officials, many of whom emphasize the importance of local control over decisions that directly impact their communities. Brabenec and Skoufis have made it clear that they stand with these districts and will continue to advocate for them.

For now, Port Jervis remains in a holding pattern, carefully weighing its options as it faces the financial and cultural implications of the state’s directive. The coming months will likely determine whether the district will join the fight or comply with the state’s mandate under duress.

Local pride and traditions remain at the forefront of this debate, with many believing that their mascots, names, and logos should not be dictated by distant bureaucrats in Albany.

We reached out to Senator James Skoufis’s office and to Andrew Marotta for additional comment, but neither responded.